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Merchant Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Underwriter I

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Review merchant applications to evaluate credit, financial, operational, and compliance ... underwriting decisionsClearly communicate pending requirements and follow up on outstanding ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchant Underwriter information

See salary details

$32.5K

$78.9K

$139.5K

How much do merchant underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant underwriter in the United States is $78,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a merchant underwriter?

A Merchant Underwriter is responsible for assessing the risk of businesses applying for merchant accounts to process credit card transactions. They analyze financial statements, credit history, business models, and industry risks to determine approval and pricing. Their role is crucial in preventing fraud and minimizing financial losses for payment processors and banks. Merchant Underwriters must balance risk assessment with business growth goals while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchant underwriter?

To thrive as a Merchant Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, a foundational understanding of credit risk and financial analysis, and typically a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting platforms, credit reporting systems, and industry-specific software such as Salesforce or Sageworks is often required. Keen attention to detail, effective communication, and sound judgment are important soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities are essential for accurately assessing merchant risk, making informed decisions, and maintaining strong client relationships in a fast-paced financial services environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by merchant underwriters, and how are they addressed?

Merchant Underwriters often face the challenge of balancing risk mitigation with the need to approve quality clients quickly. This requires careful analysis of financial documents, staying updated on fraud trends, and making swift yet accurate decisions under tight deadlines. Collaboration with sales, risk, and compliance teams is common to ensure each applicant is thoroughly evaluated. Training, ongoing professional development, and access to robust risk-assessment tools help underwriters address these challenges effectively.

Do merchant underwriters make a lot of money?

Merchant underwriters typically earn a median salary that is competitive within the financial industry, with earnings varying based on experience, location, and employer. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and some roles may include bonuses or commissions. Overall, the position offers a stable income but is not usually considered highly lucrative compared to other finance roles.
More about Merchant Underwriter jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Underwriter jobs?

The most popular types of Merchant Underwriter jobs are:

What states have the most Merchant Underwriter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Merchant Underwriter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Merchant Underwriter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,878 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Territory Contract Underwriter

Merchants Bonding Company

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70 - $120/hr

Other

Medical

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: CHICAGO, IL 60608Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $120,000.00 Base+Commission/yearJob Purpose:

ResponsibilitiesUnderwriting Analysis & Risk Evaluation (50%)
  • Reviews and underwrites contract surety submissions within assigned authority, applying sound judgment and seeking input from colleagues when collaboration can enhance decision quality.
  • Conducts thorough analysis of contractor financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to assess risk and inform underwriting decisions.
  • Prepares well-reasoned underwriting positions for referral or review. Anticipates potential concerns and proactively addresses them within recommendations.
Agency and Market Development (40%)
  • Leads account discussions and decision-making during agency meetings, jobsite visits, and presentations.
  • Develops strategic relationships with key agency partners to grow premium and ensure consistent pipeline.
  • Manages agency interactions, including resolving service issues and collecting market intelligence.
Leadership & Development (10%)
  • Establishes and pursues quarterly and annual production goals in collaboration with manager.
  • Takes ownership of territory-level initiatives and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine strategies.
Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. Fields of study such as business, finance, accounting, or economics are especially relevant.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract surety underwriting or equivalent financial risk evaluation role.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial strength, identify key risk indicators, and apply underwriting guidelines.
  • Experience leading agency relationships and representing underwriting decisions in client-facing environments
Benefits at Merchants
  • Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
  • Free health insurance option
  • Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
  • Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources
  • Discover more benefits athttps://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#nav-link-3
Merchants Bonding Company

Join the Merchants team and experience the difference of working for a surety-only company. At Merchants, we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we're committed to the success of our associates and customers by creating an inclusive culture that sets us apart and drives our success.

Our company is built on a foundation of providing common sense solutions and first-class experiences. From underwriting to claims and technology to marketing, every department and team collaborates together to achieve our common goal to be the most trusted team in surety.

Learn more about building your career at Merchants by visitingwww.merchantsbonding.com/careers.

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